Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: AmpKeyer Interface

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : AmpKeyer Interface
Reviews: 45MSRP: 49.95
Description:
Use your new rig to key an old linear amplifier. Many older linear amps require a higher contact voltage and current rating to key an amp than is built into the newer rigs. This device solves that problem.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.theheathkitshop.com/page13/_ampkeyer.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00455
NI0C Rating: 2007-04-10
Update: flawless after 3 years Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I recently purchased a larger desk and have my station spread out. My amplifier rests on top of a two-drawer file cabinet, apart from the rest of the station. It has a very quiet fan, and its meter lights burned out years ago.

So, besides its main role as a buffer between the PTT output of a microHam CW keyer and the amplifier keying relay, my AmpKeyer provides indicator lights to remind me the amplifer is turned on, plus a standby switch within convenient reach. It is very compact.

I don't hesitate to recommend this excellent and well-constructed product to anyone who wants the protection provided by such an interface.

----------------------
Earlier 4-star review posted by NI0C on 2004-04-21

For several years, I keyed my AL-80B amplifier directly using the relay in my transceiver to sink the 100 mA required by the amplifier relay. I never thought much about how this worked until I started experiencing an intermittent T/R changeover problem. One day, I missed a DX contact because my station was stuck in a transmit mode and took about 15 seconds to go back to receive. It was only then that I considered an interface.

After reading reviews and comparing this product with the more expensive Ameritron ARB-704, I called Mike and ordered the AmpKeyer. My unit arrived promptly by USPS mail and was easy to hook up and use. I tested the unit by grounding the "radio" input with my Fluke 77 multimeter (setup to read DC milliamperes), and measured 4.9 mA required to key my amplifier. The instructions recommend using either a "wall-wart" power source, or 12V from the transceiver power supply. I've used both a "wall-wart" 12 VDC supply and the 12VDC auxiliary power available at an RCA jack from my amplifier. I prefer using the amplifier 12V simply because the AmpKeyer has no power on/off switch. (Now the AmpKeyer is off until I turn on the amplifier.)

To avoid possible "hot switching" problems, I use the MOSFET output to key the amplifier, rather than the optional relay in the AmpKeyer. Because my transceiver keying relay was probably damaged by years of use withour such an interface, and again, to minimize "hot switching," I'm now using the "12V on transmit" (available at pin 7 of the accessory jack of the TS-850S) to control the AmpKeyer. (This required a simple NPN switch between the radio and the AmpKeyer). This arrangement provides the fastest T/R changeover possible without QSK.

The AmpKeyer is, as pointed out by other reviewers, well constructed and thoughtfully designed. It is certainly a good value and it helped me solve a most vexing problem. I rated it a "four" only because it does not provide the option to key it from a "high" level (such as my 12V on transmit line) without adding a transistor switch to invert the "high" to a ground.

Mike is a pleasant fellow to deal with, both on the phone and in subsequent e-mail correspondence.
KC2FTN Rating: 2007-02-24
GREAT product Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I'm using the AmpKeyer between my Icom IC-736 and either my Ameritron AL-80B or my Heathkit SB-200 and it works GREAT! It also gives me a nice standby switch for the SB-200, and connecting the AmpKeyer was a piece of cake. If you need an amplifier interface, you can't go wrong with The AmpKeyer.
WS4Y Rating: 2006-11-05
Very pleased Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I use it between my IC 756 pro II and a TL-922A.
Use the mosfet output for fastest switch time.
Excellent product and value.
K2LGO Rating: 2006-11-05
WORKS FLAWLESSLY Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had the amp keyer for well over a year, and since it always works I never think of it...The product works as described, and is the perfect solution to driving your amp, with one of the newer solid state rigs...K2LGO

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by K2LGO on 2005-02-27

FIRST TIME FOR ME TO COMMENT ON A PRODUCT, BUT THIS ONE WORKS AS PROMISED, AND WAS THE ANSWER TO KEYING MY VENERABLE SB-200, WITH MY YAESU FT-900...HAD IT WORKING 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF THE BOX...
N8RMF Rating: 2006-07-08
Love it! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I highly recommend it! You can use it with an older amp or a new amp. I love the flexibility, that I can use it with anything and protect my transceiver.
WD6GLA Rating: 2006-06-14
Great product ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Everything has already been said about this nifty little gadget . I use one between my Icom 706IIG and Ameritron 811H. It's good insurance to prevent possible damage to a lot of the new rigs with their wimpy circuitry . Build quality is outstanding ! and it looks nice next to your other equipment . Supplied instructions are very well done , and covers just about every application you can imagine . It accepts just about any power supply voltage under 15 volts, so any old wall-wart you have laying around will power it , its not fussy . All you need to supply as a short 3 foot RCA type cable for hook up , easily obtainable for a couple of dollars anywhere . About 40 bucks + shipping ..... a bargain ... Get one!
K3BOY Rating: 2006-06-13
Works great. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This device works as advertized and is very simple to hook up. Internal construction and external cosmetics is top notch. I use it between my 746Pro,FT1000MP and Alpha 89.
N5TEY Rating: 2006-05-07
Excellent product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had been planning to purchase a new rig and new amplifier for several months. I did extensive research into rigs and amplifiers. I found that it was necessary for me to purchase a amplifier interface.

I found through my research that the AmpKeyer was highly recommended by many operators. I found the recommendations from these operators to be 100% true.

The AmpKeyer is well built, attractive, and easy to use. I particularly like the standby button, it is very helpful in the tuning process.

The service and advice by Mike is great. He is a great resource and is very helpful.

The long story short, if you need to purchase a amplifier interface for your HF rig, you can't go wrong. It is well worth every cent and then some!

73,
Steve N5TEY
SM4FQW Rating: 2006-03-11
Good product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I use this between a TS-140S and SB-230. A friend of mine between a TS-2000 and L4B. Works very good. If you have any questions abt how to connect it - Mike has all the answers.
K9EFN Rating: 2006-02-14
Excellent Product! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently bought the AmpKeyer to interface my Kenwood TS940 SAT with an SB1000. I really like the Standby feature, even though the SB1000 has a standby switch, because it's more convenient. I use the 12v auxilary power from the Amp to power it via a stereo twin phono cable, one lead for the power and one for the relay. It works great, is very well constructed with quality parts and has a very nice all metal cabinet. Mike was very responsive to my questions via email. This unit is easily worth half again the price and will be used with any future Amp I own regardless of the keying power specs because it's just good insurance and provides a very convenient remote standby switch. Thanks Mike!